Epilepsy Flashcards
what is epilepsy?
A seizure disorder as a result of bursts of electrical activity from the brain.
GABA = neurotransmitter inhibitor
GABA levels are lower in those with epilepsy, leading to abnormal cell-cell message propogation
what is a febrile seizure?
Fits that can happen when a child has fever and is too hot.
Cool them down, remove clothes. Ibuprofen, paracetamol
what are the 2 classifications of epilepsy?
Generalised:
- tonic/clonic
- absence (petit mal seizure)
- Myoclonic/atonic
Partial:
- simple partial
- complex partial
- simple sensory
what are triggers for epilepsy?
- Idiopathic (not fully known)
- Trauma - head injury
- CNS disease [tumour, stroke etc]
- Social [late nights, alcohol, flashing lights..]
What is a Tonic (stiff) Clonic (contraction/relaxation) generalised seizure?
- loss of consciousness
initial tonic (stiff) then go between contraction and relaxation.
What is a Petit mal (absence) generalised seizure?
short lived episodes (5-15 seconds) where loss of awareness happens (eyelids flutter, loses response).
Happens during childhood, can happen multiple times/day.
what are essential things to do for people with seizures?
Protect parts of there body susceptible to injury (remove anything in mouth too)
asphyxia (supplement oxygen)
what are causing factors for tonic-clonic seizures?
- withdrawal/poor medication compliance
- fatigue/stress
- infection
- menstruation
what are some treatments for epilepsy?
- preventative (anticonvulsant drugs)
- emergency (most only require SUPPORTIVE treatment IF UNCONSCIOUS, like airway & oxygen)
what are some drugs used for epilepsy?
GABA receptor actions
- valproate
- BENZODIAZEPINES
Sodium channel actions
- carbamazepine
what is the dental relevance of a patient with epilepsy?
- complications of fits (oral soft tissue/dental injury)
- complications of treatment (gingival hyperplasia, bleeding, from medications)
Important to know emergency care
